Wangchu Hydroelectric Project

Adani Power has signed a strategic agreement with Bhutan's state-owned utility, Druk Green Power Corporation Ltd. (DGPC), to establish the Wangchu Hydroelectric Project in Bhutan. This project, which is a significant step in the India-Bhutan energy partnership, will have a total capacity of 570 MW and will involve an investment of ?6,000 crore.

About the Wangchu Hydroelectric Project

1. Project Capacity and Features:

   • The Wangchu Hydroelectric Project will have a total installed capacity of 570 MW.

   • The project will consist of four turbines, each with a 142.5 MW nameplate capacity.

   • It is designed to be a run-of-river project, meaning it will use the natural flow of the river without needing a large reservoir.

2. Location:

   • The project will be situated on the Wangchu River (also known as the Raid?k River in India) in Chukha District, Bhutan. The Wangchu River is a major tributary of the Brahmaputra River, which flows through India and Bangladesh.

3. Investment and Timeline:

   • The project entails a ?6,000 crore investment.

   • It is expected to begin operations in 2026, with completion slated within five years.

   • Once operational, the project will produce 2,478.93 GWh of electricity annually.

4. Power Generation and Export:

   • The power generated by the Wangchu Hydroelectric Project will meet Bhutan’s electricity demand during the winter months.

   • During the summer season, excess power will be exported to India, contributing to energy supply in the region.

Strategic Importance and Partnership

This project is part of a broader collaboration between Adani Group and DGPC, stemming from a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in May 2025. The MoU aims to jointly develop 5,000 MW of hydropower in Bhutan over the coming years.

This collaboration aligns with India's ongoing efforts to secure clean and sustainable energy from neighboring countries, particularly Bhutan, which has significant hydropower potential. The Wangchu Hydroelectric Project marks the first of several such projects planned under this MoU.

Environmental and Regional Implications

1. Clean Energy:

   • The project will contribute to clean, renewable energy production and will help reduce the carbon footprint of the region.

2. Economic Impact:

   • The project will create jobs and stimulate economic growth in Bhutan, particularly in Chukha District, while also boosting bilateral trade relations with India.

3. Energy Security for India:

   • The ability to import surplus electricity from Bhutan, especially during the summer months, will contribute to India's energy security, particularly in the northeastern region, which faces frequent energy shortages.

4. Sustainability:

   • Given Bhutan's focus on sustainable development, the project is expected to be environmentally responsible, with minimal impact on the local ecosystem. Bhutan is known for its commitment to carbon neutrality, and hydropower projects like Wangchu are integral to maintaining this status.